Jackie Peeler, who’s served as interim director of Springfield’s Henson Robinson Zoo for the past five months, on Thursday was named director.

Peeler started in Springfield as assistant zoo director about 15 years ago, having previously worked at the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington. She took over in the interim position after former director Talon Thornton resigned for personal reasons.

Derek Harms, executive director of the Springfield Park District, said Peeler did a great job in the interim position.

“She’s a talented manager with over 25 years of experience, and we are excited she will be the next leader of the Henson Robinson Zoo,” Harms said. “We look forward to working with Jackie to advance the mission of the zoo.”

Peeler will be paid $60,000 annually.

As she moves the zoo forward, Peeler said she wants to form partnerships with people in the community that will allow them to become more involved. She also wants to reach out to businesses.

“I’m excited about the future of the zoo,” Peeler said in an interview after Thursday’s announcement. “I’m looking forward to building partnerships and acting on opportunities that will allow the zoo to grow and continue to serve the community.”

Peeler has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the State University of New York-Binghamton.

The park district received more than 40 applications from across the country for the zoo director’s job.

Harms said Peeler has experience in both animal care and zoo management.